Konoha: Gu Master

Tsunade woke up.

At first, she felt a lingering pleasure coursing through her spirit, but it quickly transformed into fatigue.

The Yin Seal was not all-powerful.

It was more akin to borrowing from her future self, or releasing stored power all in one swoop.

Tsunade recalled the events of the previous night but held no regrets.

She groggily opened her eyes.

Locking eyes with Shinho for two seconds, she raised her head and kissed him on the lips.

Her body trembled slightly, creating ripples on her fair skin.

"You should head back to your room."

Tsunade squinted her eyes, nestling against Shinho Aburame's chest like a lazy cat.

Her mature and relaxed demeanor emanated naturally.

"You rascal."

Suddenly, Tsunade frowned slightly and asked, "Wasn't last night's lesson enough for you?"

"That's only because you used the Yin Seal," Shinho replied stubbornly.

"Oh?" Tsunade gave him a sidelong glance, her expression softening into a sultry smirk. "You have an opinion about that?"

Shinho stared at her alluring, soft lips and suddenly leaned in for another kiss.

Three minutes later, their lips parted.

"Go back!"

Tsunade scolded, her tone firm as she worried about Shizune discovering them.

"Yes, Sensei."

Shinho climbed out of bed.

"Put your clothes on before you leave!"

Tsunade clicked her tongue in annoyance.

"I'm leaving, Sensei," Shinho replied, picking up his clothes from the floor, dressing quickly, and waving as he left.

Once he was gone, Tsunade exhaled in relief.

She raised a hand and patted her face.

Even now, she felt as if she were in a daze.

Gathering the sheets and her clothes, she headed to the bathroom.

Her body was sticky and uncomfortable.

…

Shinho opened the door to his room.

Standing before him was a figure dressed in white.

"Master!"

Ichikishimahime tilted her head up to look at him. Even standing on tiptoe, she barely reached his chest.

Her figure was truly exquisite.

Although she could adjust her size, she preferred this form for some reason.

"Good morning," Shinho greeted, reaching out to pat her head.

Ichikishimahime squinted her eyes, resembling a cat relishing its owner's touch.

"Good girl."

Shinho's hand drifted lower, tracing the curve of her pink lips. "Go get me my clothes."

The next moment, he shuddered.

Ichikishimahime had bit his finger, her thin, serpentine tongue coiling around it.

Her gaze remained pure, driven solely by instinct.

"Go."

Shinho stepped back.

"Yes, Master." Ichikishimahime darted to the wardrobe.

Shinho undressed, using his chakra to cleanse his body.

Ichikishimahime leaned forward, watching intently.

Though she was a serpent and disliked humans, Shinho was the exception.

This was the power of the Serpent Mastery Gu.

"Master."

Ichikishimahime returned, holding his clothes in her hands.

"Let's go," Shinho said after dressing.

Ichikishimahime clapped her hands, transforming into a small snake that slithered into his sleeve.

Shinho left his room.

As he walked past the bathroom, he raised an eyebrow.

If he wasn't mistaken, Tsunade was taking a shower inside.

…

Fifteen minutes later, three people were seated at the breakfast table.

Tsunade had a bowl of red bean rice in front of her, while Shinho ate a simple bowl of ramen.

"Tsunade-sama, what would you like for dinner tonight?" Shizune asked, glancing at her mentor.

Perhaps because of her recent bath, Tsunade's face carried a faint blush. For some reason, Shizune felt her allure had increased.

Though Tsunade had always exuded maturity, now she seemed like a flower in full bloom.

Is it because of her birthday?

Shizune was puzzled.

"Anything is fine," Tsunade replied with a hum, "But I have one request—you can't stop me from gambling today!"

Shizune sighed in exasperation. So much for the illusion of allure, this was the real Tsunade.

"Here."

Shinho slid a wad of cash toward Tsunade.

"..."

Shizune shook her head helplessly. "Just don't gamble too late. Come home early."

"Don't worry!" Tsunade said cheerfully, quickly counting the money. "I'll be back before dinner!"

Shizune gave Shinho a pointed look.

"Let her have her fun. It's her birthday," Shinho said with a smile.

Shizune pouted. It was exactly this kind of indulgence that made Tsunade more reckless.

Fortunately, most of the gambling dens in Konoha were now under Shinho's control. Otherwise, Shizune would have stepped in to stop her.

"Rare for you to say something sensible," Tsunade laughed. "Shizune, focus on your work today. Don't worry about me."

Shizune glanced between the two of them.

Since when were they so in sync?

For a moment, she felt like the outsider in this household.

After breakfast, Shizune went to the kitchen to do the dishes.

Tsunade stood at the entrance, changing into her high-heeled sandals.

She bent down slightly, revealing a glimpse of her enticingly fair skin.

"Had your fill of staring, you brat?" Tsunade asked with a smile as she slipped on her tea-green jacket.

"Never," Shinho answered earnestly.

"I need a lucky kiss," Tsunade demanded as she approached him.

Shinho leaned down and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"I feel like I'm going to win today," Tsunade said with a tilt of her head.

Shinho wanted to reassure her, but he knew winning might only cause bigger issues.

"You're acting weird," he muttered, clearing his throat.

"Excuse me? Do you want to die?" Tsunade snapped, her eyes wide.

She punched his chest lightly. "If I lose today, you'll regret it tonight!"

Shinho shivered at the memory.

"I'm off!" Tsunade turned and left the house, laughing as she walked.

"What's wrong with that brat?" she murmured, shaking her head.

…

In the living room, Shinho rubbed his back.

It seemed there was no avoiding another rough night, unless Tsunade miraculously won her bets.

But the odds of that happening were abysmally low.

Shinho waited on the sofa.

Soon, footsteps rang out as Shizune in her secretary uniform stood before him.

"Let's go," Shinho took a glance, and got up, walking up the entrance.

Shizune couldn't help but be surprised. It felt like something was missing.

After a moment of thought, she understood the anomaly. Shinho hadn't teased her.

'What's going on?!

But as that thought crossed her mind, Shizune again shook her head.

Why was she looking forward to his teasing?

"The weather is really nice today," Shinho stretched outside the door, the bright sunlight passing through the canopy of trees falling on his body and warming him.

Shizune looked at the scene, a little distracted. Only to follow him a step behind as he walked forward.

The two arrived at the office, and Shinho plopped on his chair, sinking into deep thought.

He had promised Kabuto to find a suitable vessel for Orochimaru. And the answer was clear White Zetsu.

White Zetsu, a creation of Kaguya Otsutsuki's will and linked to the God Tree, had unique abilities and properties. 

Though most White Zetsu were weak in combat, they were instrumental in reconnaissance missions under Black Zetsu and Obito Uchiha's command.

White Zetsu's utility revolved around three primary techniques:

Spore Technique: White Zetsu could transform into spores that attached themselves to a ninja undetected until activated.

Imitation Technique: By absorbing someone's chakra, White Zetsu could perfectly mimic their appearance, fooling even sensory ninjutsu. In the original timeline, only Naruto Uzumaki could differentiate them using the Nine-Tails' malice sensing.

Mayfly Technique: White Zetsu could merge seamlessly with the earth and plants, erasing their presence entirely while enabling rapid movement. This technique allowed them to monitor the ninja world undetected.

There was no doubt that Konoha had White Zetsu among its ranks. The question was, how could they be found?

Shinho sank his consciousness into his aperture, beginning to inspect his Gu worms.

Wood Charm Gu?

If White Zetsu used the Mayfly Technique, could it be detected by a tree spirit formed by the Wood Charm Gu?

Shinho felt it would be difficult.

The Water Curtain Skyflower Gu?

It could envelop the entire Konoha, isolating it completely. No one but him would be able to enter or leave.

This seemed promising!

Shinho's eyes lit up. Although the Water Curtain Skyflower Gu didn't have a detection function, if White Zetsu tried to leave, it would inevitably hit the barrier, alerting Shinho.

However, there was a drawback.

The ninja and villagers of Konoha would also be unable to leave.

This wasn't wartime, so such an action would undoubtedly raise concerns.

Still, it wasn't an insurmountable problem.

A prolonged lockdown was out of the question, but half a day or even a single day shouldn't cause much dissent. If needed, monetary compensation could smooth things over.

"I'll need to stage a play for this."

Shinho realized he would have to reveal bait sufficiently enticing to make White Zetsu attempt an escape from Konoha.

What does the Akatsuki Organization value most?

The Tailed Beasts, of course.

Shinho suddenly thought of Otogakure's Yuukimaru.

After a brief moment of consideration, a plan formed in his mind.

…

"Shinho."

After waiting for a moment, Shizune spoke up. "I'll head over to the Hokage Assistant's Office."

She had finished sorting the documents. After leaving four copies behind, the remaining ones were to be handed over to Shikaku Nara.

"Thank you for your hard work, Shizune-nee," Shinho said with a nod.

Shizune smiled in return before turning and leaving with the documents.

"Yugao-nee," Shinho called out.

"Hokage-sama."

Uzuki Yugao, who was guarding the door, stepped in immediately.

"I have a task for you," Shinho said, beckoning her closer.

Once she was near, he whispered his plan to her.

The operation was set for dusk—a time when fewer villagers and ninjas were out and about.

As for locations, there were several: the Hokage Building, the ANBU base, and the Uchiha Clan's compound, among others.

Since the goal was to capture White Zetsu, it was best to cover all possible locations in one sweep.

"I'll make the arrangements right away," Yugao said with a nod.

…

By the time Shinho finished reviewing the documents on his desk, it was already afternoon.

He glanced at Ichikishimahime, whose sole job was to give him massages.

"I'm stepping out for a bit," Shinho said, his eyes drifting to her legs as an idea struck him.

Fifteen minutes later, Shinho returned, holding a pair of white stockings.

"How do they look?"

Ichikishimahime spun around twice in front of him. To ensure he could see clearly, she even lifted her skirt slightly.

The pure white stockings clung tightly to her long, graceful legs. The contrast between her fair skin and the silky fabric was both cute and charming.

"Not bad," Shinho commented with a nod.

"Thank you, Master!" Ichikishimahime beamed, making it hard to associate her with the murderous serpent demon she truly was.

"I bought you a kimono. Go change into it," Shinho said, dismissing her as he returned to his cultivation.

…

Evening arrived swiftly.

At the ANBU base entrance, an ANBU operative hurriedly returned.

"What's the matter?" Yugao stepped out to inquire.

"It's about the Three-Tails," the ANBU operative reported. "Orochimaru has a subordinate named Yuukimaru who can sense its location."

"I'll notify the Hokage at once," Yugao said with a nod.

As she departed, a pale, white head emerged from the ground nearby.

"Such a ninja exists? I need to inform Madara."

White Zetsu sank back into the earth.

The Three-Tails was a target of both the Akatsuki and Obito. Its resurrection was less than two months away, and if Konoha got to it first, it would create significant complications for Akatsuki's planned operations.

White Zetsu quickly began tunneling toward the outskirts of the village.

Thud!

Suddenly, it felt as if it had collided with something.

"...?"

Confusion filled White Zetsu's eyes.

It extended a hand and touched an invisible barrier.

On the rooftop of the Hokage Building, Shinho opened his eyes.

A golden glow radiated from his body.

In the next second, he appeared on the northern outskirts of Konoha.

Fixed Sound Gu!

[tl/n: Earlier translation of this was restraining sound gu, I couldn't find this on Wiki at the time I translated that chapter.]

Without hesitation, Shinho activated his Primeval Essence.

Invisible sound waves spread through the ground.

Before White Zetsu could react, its body was immobilized.

Relieved, Shinho descended to the ground and struck it with a powerful punch.

In no time, he dug out White Zetsu from the ground.

"How...how did you find me?!" White Zetsu exclaimed in horror.

"You don't need to know."

Shinho casually knocked it unconscious.

Grabbing the limp White Zetsu, he quickly departed.

…

Three minutes later, three White Zetsus lay before him.

Each had been captured from the ANBU base, the Uchiha compound, and the Hokage Building respectively.

A logical distribution.

Shinho carried them to Orochimaru's cursed seal laboratory.

"Lord Shinho," Orochimaru greeted, pausing his work.

"Your new vessels."

Shinho gestured, and the parasitic insects he commanded deposited the three White Zetsus before Orochimaru.

"What are these creatures?" Orochimaru asked, scrutinizing them closely.

"They're called White Zetsu. They have many unexpected uses," Shinho explained. "For more details, you'll need to research them yourself."

"Understood."

Interest gleamed in Orochimaru's eyes.

Though the Slavery Gu ensured his loyalty to Shinho, it hadn't changed his personality or ambitions.

He was still the same research-driven scientist of the shinobi world.

Shinho left the laboratory.

…

"Shinho."

Shizune, who had been waiting by the door, approached him. Her hands were full, carrying various groceries and a birthday cake.

"Everything is settled. Let's head back," Shinho said.

Shizune nodded in agreement.

At the Senju Residence

"Let me take those."

Shinho took all the groceries from her hands.

Shizune opened the door, stepping into the entryway. 

She bent down to remove her high heels, her figure highlighted by her arched posture. Her shapely hips and legs encased in black stockings were an enchanting sight.

Shinho looked thoughtful.

Perhaps Tsunade should try something similar.

"Pervert!"

Shizune snatched back the groceries, snorting softly.

Yet, for reasons unknown, her heart fluttered slightly.

The next moment, she let out a startled cry.

Shinho had slapped her thigh. The ripple of impact was visible.

"What are you doing?"

Shizune recoiled, startled.

"You deserve punishment for baselessly slandering the Hokage."

Shinho raised his hand again.

"You...you jerk!"

Shizune instinctively backed away, creating some distance between them. After glaring at him, she hurried toward the kitchen.

Shinho chuckled. Teasing his secretary once in a while wasn't bad.

Returning to his room, Shinho found Ichikishimahime had reverted to her young girl form.

"Here's a kimono for you," he said, handing her a white garment.

"Thank you, Master," Ichikishimahime said, immediately beginning to undress.

Shinho froze.

After a glance, he quickly turned and left.

The timing was entirely inappropriate, as Tsunade could return at any moment.

Seated on the sofa, Shinho rubbed his forehead.

Apart from her blue hair, Ichikishimahime's entire body was a pale, snowy white.

He thought that Konan's title might suit this snake lady better.

At that moment, the door opened.

"Sensei."

Shinho quickly got up to greet her.

"Mm," Tsunade replied dismissively, her mood evidently sour.

"Did you lose it all?"

From her expression, Shinho already knew the answer.

"Why ask if you can already guess?"

Tsunade kicked off her high heels, stepping on Shinho's foot before making her way to the living room.

"Losing isn't a big deal," Shinho said, catching up and taking her hand.

Tsunade instinctively tried to pull away but couldn't, so she let him hold it.

"How much did you lose today? I'll cover for it," Shinho said, sitting beside her with a smile.

"Really?"

A smile spread across Tsunade's face. "Thirteen million ryo."

"No problem," Shinho said after a pause, adding, "but I have one small condition."

"What is it?"

Caught up in her good mood, Tsunade answered casually, "I can agree to that."

"You can't use your Yin Seal tonight," Shinho said solemnly.

Tsunade blinked, rolling her eyes. "What kind of weird condition is that?"

"Sensei, are you perhaps scared?" Shinho asked.

"Why would I be scared?" Tsunade snapped, falling for the provocation. "Just you wait, You'll be crawling out by the end of it!"

"We'll see about that," Shinho said with a grin.

Tsunade glared at him fiercely, unwilling to admit defeat.

…

The birthday celebration was uneventful aside from a more lavish dinner.

For Tsunade, though, this year felt different.

After bathing, she returned to her room. To prepare for the night's battle, she had only drunk one bottle of honey wine, knowing this was a matter of dignity.

Tsunade understood the consequences of losing once to Shinho, it would be followed by a cascade of defeats and in the end, total surrender.

As night fell, Shinho entered Tsunade's room.

The lights were off, but the dim moonlight revealed Tsunade lying on the bed.

The blanket was not fully covering her; a corner was deliberately left open.

Shinho immediately climbed under the covers.

The warmth and softness of her body were intoxicating.

Shinho was surprised to find her smooth skin unobstructed by any clothing.

Looking down, even in the dim light, the curves of her flawless figure were evident.

Her alabaster skin glowed faintly like mutton-fat jade.

Unable to resist, Shinho reached out.

"Half an hour," Tsunade said firmly, pushing Shinho away as she sat up.

Her red lips parted slightly, her tone filled with resolve.

Shinho snorted lightly.

She dared to act so arrogant without the Yin Seal?

She lacked battle experience!

He decided to let her dig her own grave.

In the moonlight, Tsunade's fair skin shimmered. Her mature and graceful figure was flawless.

But as time passed, her expression became increasingly dazed.

Then, a bird chirped outside the window.

Tsunade flinched, a wave of unimaginable tension washing over her.

For a moment, her mind went blank, and she completely lost control of her emotions.

"Sensei, do you concede?" Shinho asked smugly.

Tsunade's forehead was damp with sweat, strands of hair clinging together. Fine beads of sweat rolled down her skin.

Her thick thighs trembled slightly, struggling to support her body.

"No!" Tsunade gritted her teeth.

Shinho showed no mercy.

An hour later, Tsunade gave up, collapsing onto the bed.

Her golden hair was disheveled, her eyes unfocused, and tears lingered at the corners of her eyes.

"Let...let me go..."

Her voice trembled with fear.

"Sleep now, Sensei," Shinho said gently, kissing her forehead.

Tsunade exhaled a sigh of relief, closing her eyes and quickly falling asleep.

Her smooth, pale abdomen rose and fell with her breathing, occasionally quivering faintly.

Shinho chuckled softly.

With his physique enhanced by multiple Strength Path Gu, he had long surpassed most shinobi.

Without the Yin Seal, Tsunade was no match for him.

Under his pressure, she had spouted all kinds of nonsense, agreeing to numerous conditions that he could now fulfil at his leisure.

…

In an Amegakure underground base:

"Don't show up without notice like that ever again," Obito Uchiha said with a slight frown.

"Madara," White Zetsu emerged from the ground. "We've lost contact with the three White Zetsu monitoring the Konoha ."

"Oh?"

Obito narrowed his eyes in surprise. "How were they discovered?"

"I don't know," White Zetsu replied, shaking its head.

"This new Hokage seems capable," Obito said with a chuckle, "He managed to detect White Zetsu, right after capturing Orochimaru."

"What should we do now?" White Zetsu asked.

"Surveillance over Konoha cannot stop," Obito said after a moment's thought. "But keep your distance from Shinho Aburame to avoid being discovered again."

"I'll make the arrangements," White Zetsu said, sinking back into the ground.

"What happened?"

Shortly after, Black Zetsu entered the room.

Its appearance resembled White Zetsu's but was entirely black.

"Nothing much," Obito Uchiha replied calmly. "Everything is under control. It won't be long before the Eye of the Moon Plan is set in motion."

"That's good to hear," Black Zetsu nodded.

…

The Land of the Sea

"Have you heard of the 'Vanished Ones'?"

Anko Mitarashi asked while scanning the area for their target.

"It refers to those hidden away by the gods, simply put, those who vanish without a trace," Hinata Hyuga explained after a pause. "But it's only a legend."

"Correct," Anko said, glancing at her. "There's such a legend here in the Land of the Sea."

"Does it have anything to do with Oni Island?"

Shino Aburame adjusted his glasses as he spoke.

"As expected of the Hokage's younger brother," Anko said with a smile. "The legend says that those who go to Oni Island never return, so they're said to have been 'Spirited away' by the sea spirits."

"Were they captured?"

Yamato, already briefed on the mission, asked.

"Exactly," Anko said, her tone turning serious. "But there's one exception—a girl named Isaribi."

"Isaribi is here?" Yamato caught on quickly.

Anko nodded.

"Is it her?" Shino suddenly pointed to a house in the distance. "My kikaichu bugs are sensing a mixture of human and fish scents."

"That would be Amachi's experiment," Anko said with a sigh.

She approached the house and knocked on the door.

A girl with a headband tied around her forehead appeared.

"Who are you looking for?"

"Isaribi, we can help you return to being an ordinary human," Anko said bluntly, "In exchange, you'll take us to see Amachi."

"You... how do you know that?" Isaribi stammered, stepping back in fear.

"We're shinobi from Konoha," Anko said, pointing to her forehead protector. "We're here to put an end to Amachi's experiments."

"Really?" Isaribi's heart pounded.

Her greatest wish was to live as a normal person again. 

Over the years, she had done countless wrongs under Amachi's orders, against her conscience. 

Her role had been to monitor passing ships so Amachi could raid them for funds to fuel his experiments.

"It's true," Anko said with confidence, puffing out her chest, "I stake Konoha's honour on it."

"I... I'll take you there!" Isaribi bit her lip, finally making her decision.

Anko breathed a sigh of relief.

…

The six of them boarded a boat and headed toward Oni Island.

"That's Oni Island," Isaribi said, pointing to a small island in the distance half an hour later.

"Excellent!" Anko clenched her fist.

She had a personal vendetta against Amachi. He and Orochimaru had branded her with the Cursed Seal of Heaven. This was her chance for retribution.

After disembarking, they followed Isaribi to an experimental facility on the island.

They had barely reached the entrance when four men blocked their way.

"Isaribi, who are they?" the leader, a young man, asked.

Isaribi remained silent.

"No need to talk nonsense here!" Anko snapped, forming hand seals.

Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!

Venomous snakes shot out from her hands at incredible speed, striking the young man.

Screams filled the air as three of the four collapsed immediately.

"Enemy attack!"

The remaining man clasped his hands together, his body sprouting fur as he transformed into a water-dwelling ape. His muscular arms reached for Anko.

"So, this is Amachi's experiment?" Hinata instinctively glanced at Isaribi, a flicker of pity in her eyes.

Thud!

Anko kicked the transformed man, sending him flying.

As he struggled to rise, Yamato formed hand seals.

Wood Style: Smothering Binding Technique!

Branches extended and wrapped around him, restraining his movements while keeping him silenced.

Footsteps echoed as five figures emerged in a single file.

"Is that... Anko?" Amachi froze, his expression shifting, "Does this mean Lord Orochimaru remembers me?"

"No," Anko said coldly.

"...What?"

Amachi froze, his face twisting in rage, "That's impossible!"

"How pitiful," Anko said, shaking her head. "In his eyes, you're worthless."

"Damn you!"

Amachi's body began to swell, his skin turning a deep green. 

His human face transformed as red pupils, scales, and fins appeared, turning him into a grotesque green-skinned monster.

"Die!"

Amachi opened his mouth, launching a water cannonball.

Anko was ready to counter when her eyes suddenly widened.

Hinata Hyuga had transformed into a snow fairy .

With a calm expression, Hinata waved her hand.

The water cannon froze mid-air, solidifying into ice.

Ice Explosion Gu!

Hinata channeled chakra into the ice.

The frozen mass shattered into countless shards, surging toward Amachi.

"What... what are you?"

Amachi dodged frantically, his mind racing. His thoughts drifted to his experiments.

Unlike his crude transformations, hers was elegant and seamless.

Amachi suddenly laughed, forming hand seals.

Massive amounts of chakra erupted from his body.

Umibozu!

Amachi pointed at Hinata. "Seize her!"

The sound of something cutting through the air filled their ears.

A colossal, water-formed creature roared skyward, causing waves to surge as if the entire ocean was crashing toward them.

"Watch out!" Anko shouted.

Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!

A dragon-shaped flame burst from her mouth but was extinguished instantly upon touching the waves, leaving only wisps of steam.

Anko's face darkened.

Wood Style: Wood Locking Wall!

Yamato slammed his hands on the ground, summoning a two-meter-high wooden barrier.

The waves struck it with a deafening roar, but the water soon surged around the sides, threatening to engulf them.

Shino Aburame's expression grew serious as Kikaichu bugs swarmed over his body.

Just as he prepared to enter Sage Mode, Hinata raised her hand.

Flying Snow Gu!

The temperature plummeted.

Within seconds, large snowflakes began to fall.

Amachi shivered as a piercing cold enveloped him.

He instinctively looked up.

Snowflakes landed on his skin.

"What is this?!"

Amachi froze in place, his body rapidly turning to ice until he became a complete ice sculpture.

The frost spread further, freezing the summoned Sea Demon from the inside out.

Anko stared in disbelief.

In less than a second, the warm tropical island had transformed into an icy wasteland.

Shino quietly adjusted his collar, bundling himself up tighter.

It was his first time witnessing the Flying Snow Gu, but he had no doubt it was his brother's work.

Who's the real sibling here?

"Woof, woof!"

Akamaru trembled in Kiba Inuzuka's arms, shivering from the cold.

[Tl/n: I'm dead!]